Welcome to Anchorage, USA. The Best of Alaska adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Located in south-central Alaska on the shores of Cook Inlet, Anchorage is a unique urban environment in the heart of the wilderness. Arrive early enough and explore the city by visiting the Anchorage Museum or the Alaska Native Heritage Center.

After your breakfast, head north along the Parks Highway to Denali National Park. During the drive, keep an eye out for caribou and other wildlife in this amazing unspoiled environment. Stop by on a charming Talkeetna for a coffee and pastry along the way. On arrival at the park, head to the visitor center to plan your next day’s activities, then your evening is free to relax – perhaps sit down for dinner with the group and prepare for your days of exploration ahead.

Included Activities:

• Denali National Park - Entrance Fee
• Denali National Park - Visitor Centre

Leave early in the morning for a 5-6-hour scenic bus journey through Denali National Park. The Tundra Wilderness route is narrated with stops and will take you to mile 43 of Park Road. This epic journey is worth it to view all that Denali Park has to offer while staying in a local lodge.

Included Activities:

• Denali - Scenic bus tour

Optional Activities:

• Denali NP hiking - Free

This morning, enjoy your long scenic drive over the Thompson Pass and down the valley to Valdez, visiting the Worthington Glacier along the way (approximately 7-8 hours). Surrounded on three sides by steep, snow-capped mountains, the blue-water port town of Valdez is best known as the southern terminus of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. On arrival in Valdez, check in to the hotel, and spend some time discovering this port town.

After your breakfast, hit the water for an incredible cruise into the Prince William Sound, heading deep into the epic landscape and arriving at the Columbia Glacier. As one of the world’s most active glaciers, you may be lucky enough to see huge chunks of ice fall into the still waters below – a pretty unforgettable sight! Be sure to keep an eye out for marine wildlife, including whales, sea otters, seals, and puffins, as your boat navigates the Chugach Mountains and a rugged coastline of rocky outcrops beaches, and fjords. Enjoy lunch on board and return to Valdez for an afternoon at leisure. Perhaps pay a visit to the Valdez Museum and Historical Archive to step into the town’s history.

Included Activities:

• Prince Willam Ferry

Enjoy a free morning in Valdez for your discoveries. With several fantastic hiking and walking trails, you’re never far from scenery to take your breath away. Your leader will be on hand with suggestions on how to get the most out of this beautiful place. In the afternoon, settle in for another scenic drive (5 hours) arriving at your local lodge in the Palmer region. Fringed with picture-perfect mountains, the atmosphere here is something special.

Hop aboard your vehicle today for a tour to soak up the scenery of Palmer and nearby Wasilla. Stop by the Palmer Visitor Center to learn the area’s fascinating story, from the lives of the Ahtna people to the gold rush and the Matanuska Colony. Continue the drive down the Parks Highway to Seward, one of the oldest and most picturesque towns in Alaska. The town itself boasts galleries, boutique shops, and a bustling harbor. It is perhaps best known as a gateway to Kenai Fjords National Park. If you wish for additional excursions during your time in Seward, pick from the following optional activities and contact us for current excursion pricing.

Optional Activities:

• Seward - Wildlife marine tour
• Seward - Alaska SeaLife Center
• Seward - Hiking - Free

Today is free for your explorations. Perhaps head out on a wildlife marine boat tour exploring Kenai Fjords National Park. Set out among the fjords and glaciers, keeping an eye out for humpback whales, orcas, sea otters, harbor seals, sea lions, and puffins. Check out the Alaska SeaLife Center, dedicated to the protection and rehabilitation of Alaska’s marine wildlife, or take a hike to experience stunning views of the Kenai Peninsula.

Venture north this morning to return to where your adventure began in Anchorage (approximately 2.5 hours). Keep an eye out for wildlife on the way back, stopping off to take photos of whales, waves, and volcanoes. On arrival, explore the eclectic city during a tour with your leader, where you’ll learn more about its history and points of interest. As this is your final night, join the group for an evening dinner to reminisce about the highlights of your journey.

This morning, enjoy at leisure on your own before you check out. Explore the authentic old-school charm of Anchorage or before the tour, head to the Alaska Native Heritage Center, and check out the sights and sounds of the city and its nearby inlets and communities.